Optimum location and amount of new Fire Stations based on Geographic Information System and Analytic Hierarchy Methods

In this study the Geographic Information System (GIS) method and the Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP) are combined in order to present a methodology for locating fire stations in cities. Initially, we collect the complete technical information and thus generate a statistical data, from which we derive the attributes of Fire Stations. This methodology evaluates the efficiency of different proposals based on the response time restriction variable, in combination with human perception and the need and experience of firefighters, academics and vulnerable population. The main result is an operational tool that defines the locations and number of stations and the choice of the best alternative considering multiple criteria.